Columbia Banking Relocated Executives to Arizona

The bank shifted leadership roles to the Scottsdale area, citing an increase in annual tax costs in Washington.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of two distinct office buildings on a flat plane, representing corporate relocation between different business climates. — Columbia Banking System has relocated executive roles to a new office in Scottsdale, Arizona, to reduce annual tax costs associated with Washington state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Columbia Banking System has moved executive roles from Washington to Arizona, opening a new 13,500-square-foot office near Scottsdale. The move follows recent increases in Washington business and financial institution taxes, which the CEO cited as adding $8 million in annual costs.

Why it matters

The company signaled that payroll taxes in Washington and the state's 9.9 percent tax on individual income exceeding $1 million motivated the relocation of administrative functions. Columbia Banking System, which maintains over 350 locations, indicated that its headquarters may eventually depart the Pacific Northwest entirely.

The bank now manages over $70 billion in assets following the September 2025 acquisition of Pacific Premier Bancorp. It currently employs 1,877 people in Washington out of a total workforce of more than 6,000.

The players

Clint Stein

He is the CEO who relocated his residence from Auburn to Arizona due to the tax environment.

Columbia Banking System

This financial institution operates more than 350 locations across eight western states.

Pacific Premier Bancorp

The company was acquired by Columbia Banking System in September 2025.

The details

Executives who previously worked in Tacoma have relocated to temporary space in Arizona while office improvements are finalized for the new site. The Scottsdale office is expected to reach a capacity of 50 employees by the end of October 2026.

September 2025: Columbia completed the acquisition of Pacific Premier Bancorp.
October 1, 2025: Washington tax legislation changes became effective.
October 2026: Columbia plans to open an office near Scottsdale.

Market Landscape

This move reflects a broader corporate shift as firms weigh regional tax burdens against operational costs to maintain market competitiveness. By establishing a hub in Arizona, Columbia Banking System is positioning itself to mitigate the impact of Washington state's recent tax policy adjustments.

While the relocation affects administrative roles, the bank continues to operate 109 sites in Washington. Customers should see no immediate changes to local branch services or product availability as a result of the executive shift.

The takeaway

Companies may increasingly move high-level administrative functions to jurisdictions with lower tax overhead to offset rising costs. Business owners and employees should monitor how state tax legislative changes influence corporate footprint decisions in their region.